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Hurricane the storm is projected to escalate to a rare highest-level storm as it turns towards Jamaica, delivering dangerous sudden floods and rock falls.

This weather system, which had wind speeds of up to 120 miles per hour as of 6:00 AM GMT, is presently veering toward the northwest in the Caribbean Sea and is expected to make landfall by Tuesday, as reported by hurricane specialists.

Advisories of power cuts and disruption to utilities have been issued as the hurricane produces up to 76cm of precipitation and storm surges as high as 13ft above ground. "Find safe refuge immediately," locals have been told.

Melissa is the 13th storm in the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Highest-Level Cyclone Danger

A category five hurricane is the most intense classification, with sustained winds of at least 157 miles per hour.

While the hurricane is set to weaken to a category four cyclone before reaching the island, experts said there was "minimal real distinction in the total effects" upon making contact with land, and that the storm will be "at least that intensity" when it hits the island.

Immediate Safety Steps

With tropical storm-strength gusts and precipitation anticipated well in advance long before it moves across central Jamaica - perhaps encompassing the city of Kingston - warnings indicate that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"A multi-day period of damaging winds and intense precipitation has started and will cause severe and deadly flash flooding and multiple landslides," advised meteorological officials.

The country's head of government the official stated: "I realize that there are numerous residents who are anxious, who are very concerned, and rightfully so: concern is justified.

"But the most effective method to address worry and any apprehension and worry is to be prepared."

Residents are being instructed to secure their homes with protective bags and wooden boards, and to gather essentials.

Regional Impact

Advisories are also in effect for parts of the neighboring country encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where Melissa is expected to bring similar effects by the middle portion of the coming week.

Mudslides currently triggered by the cyclone have resulted in two fatalities in the country, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Projected Trajectory

This weather system is forecast to move across the island nation by midweek before moving through the Caribbean archipelago and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

By the point it arrives at the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a category three storm.

Climate Background

Although it is hard to associate individual weather events to environmental shifts, scientists say it is making weather phenomena more prevalent and more severe.

Higher ocean heat produce more moisture in the environment, contributing to the formation of storms.

Before the commencement of this year's Atlantic hurricane season, climate agencies forecast increased storm frequency, referencing heated marine conditions and possible enhanced seasonal rains around the western African continent - where Atlantic storms frequently develop.